Gavin Henson Apologises After Drinking And Inappropriate Behaviour On Flight To Cardiff

Rugby star Gavin Henson has apologised for drinking and "behaving inappropriately" on a flight to Cardiff, and admits he is "truly embarrassed" by the incident.

The 30-year-old Cardiff Blues player was suspended after an incident on a flight from Glasgow back to the Welsh capital on Saturday morning.

Henson issued a statement today and said: "I would like to publicly apologise for drinking on that flight, which is inappropriate behaviour."

Henson added: "I admit I had been out drinking in Glasgow on the Friday night following our game against Glasgow Warriors and had stupidly carried on drinking on the flight, for which I am truly embarrassed about.

"I can see that drinking and behaving inappropriately on that flight as a professional sportsman at 7am has caused offence to members of the public, the Flybe airline staff and passengers.

"I know that I have let my team-mates, coaches, management, sponsors and indeed my family down with my actions.

"Drinking on that plane was inexcusable and I know that I must take responsibility for it. I also accept that in the light of this I need to learn from it and ensure this does not happen again.

"I am prepared to co-operate 100% with the Cardiff Blues' wishes and will do everything that I need to do in order to make amends and enable the Blues to focus on our biggest game of the season next weekend.

"I remain fully focused and committed to Cardiff Blues, and I hope they can accept my apology."

A Cardiff Blues spokesman said Henson was suspended "with immediate effect" following the incident, which came after their match against Glasgow Warriors.

The spokesman added: "The Cardiff Blues management team will meet first thing Monday morning to discuss the matter further."
Later, airline Flybe said it was carrying out its own investigation.

"With regard to flight BE3431 from Glasgow to Cardiff on March 31, Flybe can confirm that it is gathering information from its own staff as well as those at both airports and will make no further comment at this time," a spokeswoman said.

Henson was a wing replacement in the 31-3 defeat by Glasgow on Friday.

He signed for Cardiff Blues in October on an eight-month contract and they became his fourth club in the space of 12 months after brief spells with Saracens and Toulon in the wake of his departure from the Ospreys.

At the time, he said: "I've been saying I wanted to play back in Wales and I'm glad of the opportunity that Cardiff Blues have given me.

"I just want to do everything I can to make them happy and enjoy my rugby. I'm glad I've signed here."

Henson, who has 33 caps to his name, toured New Zealand with the British Lions in 2005.

He is also well-known outside of rugby after a long-term relationship with singer Charlotte Church, in which they had two children together. They split two years ago.
Henson has also appeared on reality TV shows 71 Degrees North, Strictly Come Dancing and The Bachelor.

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CARDIFF, WALES - AUGUST 13: Gavin Henson of Wales lines up for the nnational anthems prior to kickoff during the rugby union international friendly match between Wales and England at the Millennium Stadium on August 13, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 04: Wales player Gavin Henson in action during the national anthem before the International match between Wales and Barbarians at Millennium Stadium on June 4, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 04: Wales player Gavin Henson in action during the national anthem before the International match between Wales and Barbarians at Millennium Stadium on June 4, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 04: Gavin Henson of Wales on the ball during the International Match between Wales and Barbarians at Millennium Stadium on June 4, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)